We’re already in May, and it’s a bit scary how fast this year is going. I know most people probably feel the same, so let’s not linger on that too long and instead focus on the movies and shows Netflix has brought us so far. Being the biggest streaming service, it naturally pumps out more originals than any other platform, and with that level of output, the quality isn’t always consistent.
But surprisingly, the first part of 2026 has been pretty decent in terms of new originals. Netflix has not only given us completely new titles, but also returning seasons of shows that prove they’re must-watches and deserve a spot in the No. 1 conversation on the platform. That includes Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s crime thriller, a gripping horror series, and the second season of a revenge-fueled comedy-drama.
If you’re wondering what to stream on Netflix because you haven’t had the time to catch up with everything new on the platform, here are the five best Netflix original movies and shows of 2026 so far.
‘The Rip’
“The Rip” is my favorite Netflix original in 2026 so far. Reuniting longtime collaborators and real-life friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in lead roles, this gritty flick is everything you’d want in a crime thriller. Much of the tension is built through psychological pressure rather than just shootouts, though when the action does hit, it’s choreographed with a focus on realism and impressive practical effects. Plus, this thriller maintains the production quality of a major theatrical release, making it even better as a Netflix movie.
Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) leads the Miami-Dade Tactical Narcotics Team on a routine raid with his partner Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Affleck), alongside officers Mike Ro (Steven Yeun), Numa Baptiste (Teyana Taylor), and Lolo Salazar (Catalina Sandino Moreno). When they discover over $20 million hidden inside a rundown stash house owned by Desi Lopez Molina (Sasha Calle), the unit is forced to stay on-site and process the evidence under strict conditions. Suspicions grow within the team as they try to determine who can be trusted.
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‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’
Being a huge horror fan, it’s always exciting when a major streaming service leans into the dark side for an original release. “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” is an atmospheric horror miniseries and the first major project from the Duffer Brothers (creators of “Stranger Things”) under their Upside Down Pictures banner. It’s a truly chilling series that builds a sense of inescapable dread through haunting music, distorted audio, and some truly unsettling performances.
Rachel Harkin (Camila Morrone) and Nicky Cunningham (Adam DiMarco) travel to Nicky’s family cabin a week before their wedding. Once there, they are introduced to his large and uneasy family. Strange incidents begin to occur around the house, including unsettling encounters and unexplained injuries. With the wedding preparations well underway, Rachel becomes increasingly disturbed by the behavior of the family and the events unfolding around her.
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‘Beef’ season 2
It doesn’t always go well when a limited series ends up getting dragged out, hence the “limited” label. But one great example of expanding a show successfully is turning it into an anthology format, which is what happened with “Beef.” Season 1 involved some serious road rage, while season 2 focuses on passive-aggressive revenge. Creator Lee Sung Jin returned as showrunner and ensured the same darkly comedic, anxiety-inducing tone remains intact. The new season ended up being a blast.
“Beef” season 2 follows Ashley (Cailee Spaeny) and Austin (Charles Melton), two employees at an elite country club who witness a heated confrontation between their boss, Josh Martin (Oscar Isaac), and his wife, Lindsay Crane-Martin (Carey Mulligan). The incident quickly pulls both couples into dangerous manipulation within the club’s tightly controlled social world. As Ashley and Austin attempt to secure stability in their own relationship, they become increasingly entangled in the Martins’ unraveling marriage.
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‘Apex’
If you have a fear of heights, “Apex” might give you some serious vertigo. This survival thriller is a lean, 95-minute cat-and-mouse game set against the unforgiving Australian Outback. It certainly deserves the No. 1 spot on Netflix, not only because it’s incredibly gripping, but because of Taron Egerton’s haunting performance alone. “Apex” has a solid three-star quality feel and doesn’t quite beat “The Rip” in terms of quality, but it’s still a compelling ride that will have you holding your breath.
Sasha Cole (Charlize Theron), a skilled climber, travels to the remote Australian wilderness to complete a solo expedition after a personal tragedy. While exploring dangerous terrain, she is approached by Ben Edwards (Egerton), a local guide who offers assistance but quickly reveals hostile intentions. As Sasha is cut off from communication and supplies, she is forced to move through rivers, cliffs, and dense outback terrain while being actively pursued.
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‘Bridgerton’ season 4
We’re ending this list with another huge Netflix show that deserves all the love. “Bridgerton,” which returned for season 4 this year, delivered even more compelling episodes for us dear viewers to enjoy. This season offers a “Cinderella-inspired” Regency romance, beginning with a tense masquerade ball and soon turning into the heated drama it’s known for. Yerin Ha is not only a great addition to the series, but her chemistry with Luke Thompson’s Benedict Bridgerton is off the charts.
“Bridgerton” season 4 follows Benedict Bridgerton (Thompson), the second son of the Bridgerton family, who attends his mother Violet Bridgerton’s masquerade ball and becomes captivated by a mysterious masked woman known as the Lady in Silver. She is later revealed to be Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid working under difficult circumstances in the Penwood household. As Benedict searches for her identity, their paths repeatedly cross across Mayfair society and the Bridgerton estate.
Stream on Netflix
